A number of Tottenham players were in action for their countries on Thursday
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Tottenham Hotspur finally ended their trophy curse and did what only they could do, ripped everything up to start again.
Of course, the Premier League form from last season was the reason for Ange Postecoglu’s departure, but after winning the Europa League, he could at least leave with his head held high. In Thomas Frank, Spurs now have a more pragmatic coach, and yet a maverick playmaker could be at the heart of a new look team.
Xavi Simons became a club record signing when Spurs hijacked Chelsea’s move for the Netherlands international with the 22-year almost a parting gift from the now ex-chairman Daniel Levy. Having been signed too late to see in action in north London, his name in the Netherlands’ starting XI to face Poland will have had a few more watchful eyes paying attention.
Xavi Simons rated by Dutch media
Unfortunately, despite staying top of their group, Simons wasn’t able to display any of his usual playmaking qualities as seen by these player ratings in his homeland: “Xavi Simons 5.5/10: Didn’t manage to get into the game at all. Struggled in possession and looked lost. Provided no presence on the right,” wrote Football Oranje.
In a similar story, Sports Dunia were also far from impressed: Xavi Simons - 6.5: “A frustrating night for the youngster. He was full of energy and clever movement, but his final product was lacking. We noticed he lost possession 12 times which really broke up his team's rhythm. You can see the talent is there, but it just didn't quite click for him in this match.”
One thing that Simons is used to is the spotlight. As a prodigious talent in Barcelona’s academy, he stood out for all the right reasons, and his trademark hairstyle, before collecting the sort of CV that 99% of his peers would die for at Paris Saint Germain, PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig.
Xavi Simons eager to make mark in Premier League
With nearly 30 caps to his name too, Simons is eager to prove that he is ready for the Premier League as told to NOS before the 1-1 draw with Poland: "I think I've proven myself a bit, but it can be much better. I haven't even shown half of what I can do. I'm a professional guy. Even though I wanted to leave (Leipzig), I told the club that if I was still there, I would just do my best and hopefully we would come to a solution. That happened and I now hope to develop in the best league in the world."
"At PSV, for example, I also knew after a conversation with coach Ruud van Nistelrooy: this is where I need to be. I also had that at Leipzig and also at Spurs, where I also met Micky (van de Ven). I knew: I want to be there too. There you have the best players. I also want to be the best. I know what I want to achieve and I am going to do that, I want to make my mark."